BBB Offers Tips for a Scam-Free Spring Break

Spring break is just around the corner and Better Business Bureau® Serving E. MA, ME, RI & VT (BBB) is warning students and families alike of possible vacation scams.

In 2015, BBB received over 7,150 complaints nationally against travel agencies and bureaus. Most complaints alleged consumers felt misled by travel offers that failed to deliver on promises. In some cases, consumers paid money for travel arrangements that were never made.

One consumer recently reported receiving an offer of a roundtrip ticket and three-night stay in the Caribbean. After sending an initial payment to cover taxes, the consumer stated they were “asked to complete a booking form and send an additional payment for processing and all other monies would go towards the trip.”

Unfortunately, the consumer never received the travel arrangements and after sending multiple payments, could not get in touch with anyone at the agency. To avoid a vacation scam this spring, BBB urges consumers to check out a business before making any decisions or sending money.

BBB offers the following tips to ensure a scam-free getaway:

Use reputable websites. Check out travel agencies at bbb.org/boston or search the Accredited Business Directory. If you’re using services like Airbnb or VRBO to find accommodations, be sure to research the business and read customer reviews about any rentals you’re considering.

Get details about your trip in writing. Before providing any form of payment, get everything in writing. Make sure all verbal agreements are also provided in writing. Review all terms and conditions, taxes and fees, and cancellation policies. Confirm all reservations, total cost, flights, hotel reservations, cancellation policies, or any restrictions that may apply.

Use a credit card as payment. Paying by credit card offers additional protection should something go wrong or you need to dispute a charge. Never send a wire transfer or prepaid money card for an unsolicited offer as these types of payments are difficult to track and make it impossible to get your money back.

Consider purchasing travel insurance. Travel insurance is designed to cover such things as trip cancellations or medical emergencies. There are different levels of coverage based on what type of plan you purchase. Always read the fine print to see what’s covered and what’s not.

Use caution when considering deals. If a deal or package offers a lot for a very low price, be wary. Watch out for phone calls, emails, faxes and mail claiming that you’ve “won a trip.” It’s easy to extend phony offers like these, but the vast majority of them leave hopeful travelers in limbo – and out money. Also be wary of free trip offers being shared or going viral on social media platforms like Facebook. Often these posts are tricks to capture your personal information and not to send you on a vacation.

Feel like something's fishy before you hit the beach? Report fraudulent behavior with BBB's Scam Tracker. For more information you can trust, visit us at bbb.org/boston, follow us on Twitter or like us on Facebook.

ABOUT BBB: For more than 100 years, Better Business Bureau has been helping people find businesses and brands they can trust. In 2015, consumers turned to BBB more than 161 million times for BBB Business Reviews on more than 5.3 million businesses, all available for free at bbb.org. BBB Serving Eastern Massachusetts, Maine, Rhode Island and Vermont, founded in 1912, is one of 113 local, independent BBBs across North America.

Paula Fleming is VP of Communications & Marketing for Better Business Bureau Serving Eastern MA, ME, RI & VT. Find Paula on Google+.